Hurrah for Brisbane and its horribly polluted river! You know what sounds like fun? Going kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along it! Apart from my buring eye (which I blame entierly on Brisbane River splashing into it), it is actually pretty dang fun to seek out adventures with these guys. From rollerblade hire, kayak hire, stand up paddle board lessons, bicycle hire and even rock climbing, even the truly bored and jaded are likely to find something fun to do. The staff are really enthusiastic and knowledgable, and the choice of equiptment makes for hours of good, healthy (I'm not writing clean) fun. If you have about $25 spare and an hour and a half to burn, I suggest you rent out a kayak and paddle from the shed upstream towards Southbank. Chances are you will only make it to the Maritime Museum, but it is fun to play chicken with the Citycats (don't do this really), but seeing albino (or possibly just bleched by the toxicity, I'm not sure) jumping fish, water dragons, and strange art installments on giant metal cylinarical whatever-they-ares, along the way. Just dont capsize, apart from the fact that it's very difficult to get back on to your kayak, you dont want an extra arm or leg when you get back on shore. Or do you? But for the land-lubbers, there is rollerblade hire and bike hire as well, also for a very reasonable by-the-hour price. And there's something so relaxing about rolling down the bike track of Kangaroo Point, gazing out at the river, watching kayakers play chicken with Citycats.....oh wait, don't do that. Just check it out if you're looking for some fun, because it really is. There is locker hire available at $3/day, so bring a spare pair of clothes if you plan to hit the water. And for something fun, check out the left side of the shed where the owners have marked the levels of each of Brisbane's floods, from the 1880 floods to the more recent 2011 floods. read more

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I really enjoyed climbing the cliffs at kangaroo point. The trails are not super easy but not too hard either. I had missed that there were no shoes for rent so did some of it barefoot which wasn't very comfortable! (We arrived late so it's possible shoes could have been arranged, just FYI.) The view of the city is great! Especially in the evening. Recommended! read more

Oh Riverlife Adventure Centre. It will be forever remembered as a high/low light of my trip to Australia. Why? Well, read on. It was a beautiful afternoon on a weekday when we walked by Riverlife. We were already there, and kayaking down the Brisbane river seemed like the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, so we went for it. Little did we know what lay ahead (for me, anyway). "It's really hard to fall in the water...I haven't had anyone fall in today," said the staff, "that's including the whole group of kids I had in the morning." *Forshadow alert!* We went about half an hour or so upriver, and came back down. Along the way there are some piers you can kayak under, but don't do it if you're claustrophobic. I felt like I was going to be stuck in one of them. And then we got back to the dock. It should theoretically have been easy - just hook your paddle in the side of the kayak, and then get out. However, as soon as I hooked my paddle in, my kayak started to drift away from the dock. Being the lazy ass I am, I reached over to my friend's kayak instead of just unhooking the paddle to push myself back to dock. It seemed like such an easy thing to do, but her kayak was just slightly out of reach, and so I leaned out even more. Annnnnnd then oops there's the first capsizal of the day. At least I now know the Brisbane River is salty? The staff was very nice about the whole thing when I came out looking like a wet dog...unlike my friends. With the smile of a someone who's obviously seen their share of soaked tourists, the girl offered me a towel as soon as I shame-walked back into the building. Oh bonus points for having a full fridge of ice cream bars so I can at least make myself feel better after the debacle/adventure. read more

We rented kayaks from here and had a lovely paddle down the river. A great way to see a bit of the city and enjoy the sunshine! Some cool art along the way as well. You do need to watch out for all the boats! They offer tours and other types of activities as well, and also host events like weddings and parties. We were both experienced kayakers, so renting worked for us, but there wasn't much in the way of briefing and getting into the kayak off the ladder and heading out on your own could be tricky for those not already comfortable in one. The people were friendly (though sometimes caught up talking amongst themselves) and there are lockers you can leave your stuff in, as well as bathrooms, and they even had some sunscreen out! It was easy to walk to from one of the free river boat drop-off points. Definitely a nice way to spend an afternoon! :) read more

Friendly and family run business! we are having our wedding there in December 2012. Probably one of the most beautiful places to have a wedding at an affordable price. The management team have been really helpful and making wedding planning a breeze! they're doing a LOT for me! The only thing I wasn't that impressed about is that they charge to hire their glasswear. You have the option to bring in your own - but who wants to look after 150 glass/plastic tumblers at your wedding? I wish they just included it in the price and not bothered me with the additional cost. ON THAT NOTE - they are throwing in 20 chairs (covers and coloured sashes included) at the ceremony, plus a signing table and red carpet for our ceremony. So I thought that was quite accommodating. Our wedding will be cocktail and they have some real trendy furniture that they supply for the event - I can't wait to see it all done up on our special day!!! read more

I came here with some friends to try our skills at kayaking along the Brissy River. Okay, so really, as it turns out you don't really need skills, it's endurance. We got here and there was a group of us forming. The instructor/guide was there and we did some chatting then away we went. I was bloody tired after a few minutes of paddling. I wanted to just sleep and float, but I don't like the feeling of being left behind. The guide had some really fun games lined up. One in particular I excelled at, was where everyone (about 11 of us), lined up our kayaks alongside each other and then take turns at running (and balancing!) along the backs of the kayaks while people sat on it. There were splashes, a bit of blood, but plenty of laughter. I've got to say, it was a pretty fun experience and for those of you who haven't checked out Riverlife Adventure Centre, you have to check it out and get into the kayaking. Plenty of fun for friends and family. read more

We went kayaking & really loved it. They allow you to go out on your own or have a guide if you wish. We went out on our own & it always felt safe. You have to stick close to the banks & watch out for the ferries. It was quite a work out because of the current but we loved it!! Everyone was really nice and the price was reasonable. read more

I was surprised and delighted to do SUP and abseiling in the City of Brisbane with Riverlife- Thank you :)

A large group of us went to the Riverlife new years eve event for 2013. The venue was great being on the river with a front row seat to the fireworks. Unfortunately, the rest of the event failed miserably. The service was slow, with the food being an hour and a half late and terribly under estimated in terms of amount, with many people left hungry and waiting for their dinner at 11pm. They also skimped out on liquor and provided the cheapest, crappiest well liquor at top prices (clearly trying to simply maximise profit). The company has a great idea and attempted to put on a one of kind event, unfortunately, they cheaped out on everything and turned the night into a complete failure on their part. read more